On Saturday, May 18, 2024, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will collide in a fight that will redefine boxing’s heavyweight landscape.
These two titans are breaking new ground in Saudi Arabia, as for the first time in history, all four heavyweight title belts will be on the line in a unification fight. The ‘Gypsy King’ (34-0-1) will put his WBC title on the line, while Usyk (21-0) currently holds the WBA, WBO, and IBF belts. As a result, we should end up with our first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
Fury, from a family of “fighting men,” has never lost in a remarkable pro career that began back in 2008. However, in Usyk, he meets his match. Another undefeated professional and an Olympic champion, who has also unified the cruiserweight division.
Most people have an opinion on the fight, but here we break down what Usyk must do to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
Fury vs Usyk: Start Time, TV Coverage Details & Odds
- Venue & Date: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday May 18
- Start Time: Undercard approx 16:15 GMT, Main Event approx 23:00 GMT
- TV Channel and Cost: DAZN PPV (£24.99), TNT Sports PPV & Sky Sports PPV (Price TBC)
- Betting Odds: Tyson Fury 8/11, Oleksandr Usyk 11/10, CLICK HERE FOR MORE FIGHT ODDS
Footwork and Head Movement
Usyk’s fight style is very European, based on his mastery of the southpaw stance. He has a style known as the ‘Soviet’ style, having trained for years in the Ukrainian boxing system. This style focuses on maintaining distance, using a strong jab, and controlling the fight.
A classic ‘boxer’ seeks to maintain distance, using faster, longer-range punches, most notably the jab, and gradually wearing down the opponent. Usyk could be all wrong for Fury’s low, manhandling style, which relies on his opponents being flat-footed so he can sap their energy.
Usyk fights on his toes, allowing for better defense and faster punches. This style is reminiscent of Manny Pacquiao. Usyk’s technical prowess is evident in his ability to land precise jabs and maintain control, even against elite heavyweights.
Given his dimensions and speed, Fury is a nightmare to prepare for. Usyk must keep him on his back foot using educated pressure, stay mobile, and find gaps. He must actively pressure Fury into making mistakes.
Psychological Battle
The psychological battle here cannot be underestimated. Fury faced former UFC champion Francis Ngannou a few months back and only won by a point. Was it complacency or age catching up with him?
Usyk, on the other hand, is a man of fun and mischief, often sharing videos of himself dancing in the gym. However, he remains private and introverted outside his trusted circle. Fury will try to get under Usyk’s skin, but Usyk has the mental strength to cope with the mind games.
Conclusion
Usyk has the ability, boxing IQ, athleticism, and desire to win this. He must maintain high concentration levels and use his footwork to engineer openings against Fury. Usyk’s superior movement, stamina, and mental strength might give him the edge.
Usyk doesn’t have Deontay Wilder’s punch power, but his technical skills have allowed him to dominate elite big men. To win, he must use angles, pivot, and avoid Fury’s clinches. If Usyk can adapt to Fury’s tactics and all the stars align, he will be remembered as an all-time boxing great and a unified champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.
